Effect of Ginseng (Panax ginseng) Extract on Intestinal Wall Structure in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): A Histomorphometric and Biochemical Study

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ginseng root extract (Panax ginseng) on the histomorphometric and biochemical characteristics of the intestinal wall in rainbow trout. Study carried out during 60 days within 4 experiments, each with 3 replicates. In each replication 60 pcs of fry with average weight of 15gr. were randomly distributed. The experimental groups were fed with aqueous extract of P. Ginseng at 100, 150 & 200 gr./kg. diet respectively. Tissue samples from the proximal and distal segments of the intestine were stained by hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid Schiff and alcin blue stains. Results showed that by increasing the amount of ginseng up to 150 grams per 100 kg of diet, the length of the intestinal folds and the absorption area significantly increased in both the proximal and distal segments of the intestine (p < 0.05). The thickness of the muscular layer in the groups receiving ginseng did not show a statistically significant difference compared to the control group (p > 0.05). The total number of goblet cells as well as the number of acid mucus producing cells in the distal part of the intestine in the groups receiving ginseng increased significantly compared to the control (p < 0.05), but the amount of these parameters in the proximal part of the intestine did not show a statistically significant difference in the groups receiving ginseng compared to the control group (p > 0.05). The increase in the total number of goblet cells in the groups receiving ginseng in the distal part of the intestine is mainly due to the increase in the number of goblet cells producing acidic mucins in this part of the intestine, and the number of cells producing neutral and mixed mucins did not show a statistically significant difference in the groups receiving ginseng compare to the control group (p > 0.05).
 
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